The topic of whether students should learn practical life skills in school has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam trends and current educational debates, this topic is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a specific question related to this theme and examine sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that schools should teach children practical skills like cooking or managing personal finances. Others believe that academic subjects are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on education:

1. Schools should teach practical life skills (e.g., cooking, managing finances)
2. Academic subjects are more important

You need to:

• Discuss both perspectives
• Provide your own opinion
• Support your arguments with reasons and examples

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In the ongoing debate about educational priorities, some argue that schools should focus on teaching practical life skills, while others maintain that academic subjects should take precedence. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this issue.

Proponents of teaching practical skills in schools argue that these abilities are essential for students’ future independence and success. Learning how to cook nutritious meals, manage personal finances, or perform basic home repairs can significantly enhance a young person’s ability to navigate adult life. Moreover, these skills can contribute to better health, financial stability, and overall well-being, which are crucial factors for success in both personal and professional spheres. The importance of financial literacy for young adults cannot be overstated, as it can help prevent future financial difficulties and promote responsible decision-making.

On the other hand, those who prioritize academic subjects contend that these disciplines provide the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for higher education and career advancement. Subjects like mathematics, science, literature, and history not only impart essential knowledge but also develop analytical and problem-solving abilities that are transferable to various real-life situations. Furthermore, a strong academic background can open doors to better career opportunities and higher earning potential in the long run.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that incorporates both practical life skills and academic subjects would be most beneficial for students. Schools should strive to integrate practical skills into the existing curriculum rather than treating them as separate entities. For instance, financial literacy could be taught within mathematics classes, while cooking skills could be incorporated into science lessons about nutrition and chemical reactions. This integrated approach would allow students to see the real-world applications of academic concepts while simultaneously acquiring valuable life skills.

Integrating practical life skills with academic subjects

Moreover, schools could offer elective courses or after-school programs focused on specific life skills to complement the core academic curriculum. This would provide students with the flexibility to choose which practical skills they want to develop based on their interests and needs.

In conclusion, while both practical life skills and academic subjects are important, I believe that a well-designed educational system should find ways to incorporate both elements. By doing so, schools can better prepare students for the complexities of adult life while still providing them with the strong academic foundation necessary for future success.

(Word count: 411)

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to a high band score:

1. Clear structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion with the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherent arguments: Each paragraph presents a clear main idea supported by relevant examples and explanations.

3. Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately (e.g., “proponents,” “precedence,” “foundational knowledge”).

4. Complex sentence structures: The writer uses a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.

5. Cohesive devices: The essay employs appropriate linking words and phrases to ensure smooth transitions between ideas.

6. Clear opinion: The writer’s stance is clearly presented and well-supported in the conclusion.

7. Fully addressed task: All parts of the question are thoroughly addressed, including both views and the writer’s opinion.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, there is a debate about what schools should teach students. Some people think that practical skills like cooking or managing money are important, while others believe academic subjects are more valuable. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, teaching practical skills in schools can be very useful for students’ future lives. If students learn how to cook healthy meals or manage their finances, they will be better prepared for adult life. These skills can help them save money, stay healthy, and be more independent. For example, if a student knows how to budget their money, they are less likely to get into debt when they start working. Should schools include financial education in their curricula is a question many educators are considering due to the benefits it could bring to students’ futures.

On the other hand, academic subjects are also very important for students. Subjects like math, science, and literature help students develop critical thinking skills and gain knowledge that is necessary for many jobs. These subjects can also help students get into good universities and have better career opportunities in the future. For instance, a strong foundation in mathematics can lead to careers in engineering or finance, which are often well-paid.

In my opinion, both practical skills and academic subjects are important for students. I think schools should try to teach both types of skills. They could include practical skills lessons in the regular curriculum or offer them as extra classes after school. This way, students can learn important academic subjects while also gaining useful life skills.

Balanced education combining practical and academic skills

To conclude, while academic subjects are crucial for students’ future education and careers, practical life skills are also valuable for their personal development. A good education system should find a way to teach both types of skills to prepare students for all aspects of adult life.

(Word count: 342)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion with the writer’s opinion.

2. Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant to the question and supported with some examples.

3. Clear opinion: The writer’s stance is presented in the conclusion.

4. Appropriate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary accurately.

5. Mixture of sentence structures: There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, though less varied than in the Band 8-9 essay.

6. Basic cohesion: The essay uses some linking words to connect ideas, though not as sophisticated as in higher band scores.

7. Task response: All parts of the question are addressed, though with less depth and development compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

Areas for improvement to reach a higher band score would include:

• Using more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
• Providing more detailed examples and explanations
• Improving the range of cohesive devices
• Developing ideas more fully in each paragraph

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Practical skills (noun phrase) – /ˈpræktɪkəl skɪlz/ – Abilities that are useful in everyday life
2. Academic subjects (noun phrase) – /ækəˈdemɪk ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/ – Traditional school subjects like math, science, literature
3. Financial literacy (noun phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to understand and manage personal finances
4. Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school
5. Critical thinking (noun phrase) – /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment
6. Life skills (noun phrase) – /laɪf skɪlz/ – Abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands of everyday life
7. Integrate (verb) – /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – To combine one thing with another so that they become a whole
8. Foundational knowledge (noun phrase) – /faʊnˈdeɪʃənəl ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ – Basic information and concepts that form the basis for more advanced learning
9. Elective courses (noun phrase) – /ɪˈlektɪv kɔːsɪz/ – Optional subjects that students can choose to study
10. Well-rounded education (noun phrase) – /wel ˈraʊndɪd edjʊˈkeɪʃən/ – An education that addresses academic, social, and practical aspects of life

In conclusion, the debate on whether schools should teach practical life skills alongside academic subjects is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this topic, practice writing essays that discuss both perspectives and clearly present your own opinion. Remember to support your arguments with relevant examples and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

For further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as should schools integrate climate change education into all subjects or the role of sports in promoting teamwork among students. You can also explore variations of this topic, such as the balance between physical education and academic subjects, or the importance of teaching digital literacy in schools. Share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners.